Reviewed by Daniel James Sundahl The “Preface” to Drew Gilpin Faust’s This Republic of Suffering begins with a pointed sentence: “Mortality defines the human condition.” True in any and all circumstances, including driving to work in the morning or returning home in the evening. Driving our cars, however, is unlike Confederate and Union soldiers gathered […]
“This Side of the River,” by Jeffrey Stayton
August 24, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Reviewed by Matthew Simmons 150 years after the end of the Civil War, I sit in Columbia, South Carolina. The banner that the local university’s football coach once called “That Damn Flag” has come down, to the joy of some and the consternation of others. In the spring of this year, I worked on a […]
February Read of the Month: “Appomattox: Victory, Defeat, and Freedom at the End of the Civil War,” by Elizabeth Varon
February 12, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Reviewed by Miles Smith, IV Appomattox: Victory, Defeat, and Freedom at the End of the Civil War offers the first cultural, political, and social history of the Army of Northern Virginia’s surrender at Appomattox Court House. Elizabeth Varon’s elegant narrative, provocative argument, and skillful use of sources make this work an interesting addition to the […]
Meet Tom Carhart, Author of Sacred Ties, Part 2
October 4, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Yesterday on SLR, Tom Carhart discussed his latest nonfiction release, Sacred Ties:From West Point Brothers to Battlefield Rivals: A True Story of the Civil War. Please enjoy the continuation of that conversation with SLR Contributor, Philip K. Jason, posted below. Are there any important distinctions you’d like to point out between a cadet’s West Point […]
Meet Tom Carhart, Author of Sacred Ties
October 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
SLR Contributor Philip K. Jason was honored to interview military historian, West Point alum, and Vietnam veteran, Tom Carhart regarding his latest release, Sacred Ties: From West Point Brothers to Battlefield Rivals: A True Story of the Civil War. This factual account of six West Point soldiers fascinated us so much, we selected it as our October Read of the Month. […]
September Read of the Month, My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira
September 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Review by Adele Annesi The debut literary work of historical fiction My Name is Mary Sutter by promising novelist Robin Oliveira offers an ambitious and unsparing glimpse into the life of aspiring physician Mary Sutter amid the turbulent U.S. Civil War. The story opens with young midwife Mary Sutter of Albany, NY denied another apprenticeship in […]